Amateur
Radio : About Amateur Radio--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ham radio, as it is often called, is a hobby. It is a non-commercial
radio communication service whose primary aims are public service, technical
training, experimenting with radio electronics, and leisure communication
between private persons. Hams are noted for providing communications
in times of emergency or disaster. Ham radio exists in nearly every
country and on the same frequencies. This allows amateur radio
operators to communicate internationally. Amateur Radio is
governed by the Federal Communications Commission and by Part 97 of the
Title 47 Telecommunications regulations.

By international treaty, the amateur and amateur-satellite services
are for qualified persons of any age who are interested in radio technique
solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
In areas where the services are regulated by the Federal Communications
Commission, an amateur operator must hold an FCC or Canadian license or
be a foreign-licensed amateur whose country has entered into a reciprocal
licensing/operating arrangement with the United States or who holds a CEPT
or IARP license.

What can I do with a Ham License?

There are so many things, it's a difficult question to answer, but
here's some ideas:

Talk to people in foreign countries. DX'ing is a favorite of many hams!

Talk to people (both local and far away) on your drive to work

Help in emergencies and natural disasters by providing communications.

Provide communications in parades or walkathons and other public service
events.

Help other people become hams. (We call it "Elmering.")

Hook your computer to your radio and communicate "computer-to-computer."
Hams use radio modems.

Collect QSL cards (cards from other hams) from all over the United States
and foreign countries and receive awards.